AMEB gifts itself an online orchestra for its 100th birthday

To mark 100 years of leadership and commitment to music education, the Australian Music Examinations Board have put the call out for musicians in the country and around the world to form an ‘Online Orchestra’. This special orchestra will convene for just one performance of the iconic Waltzing Matilda, collated from video clips entrants will film of themselves playing the song.

Benjamin Northey

Open to musicians of all skill levels, the final product will debut on the big screen at Federation Square in Melbourne this September. Benjamin Northey, Associate Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and Ambre Hammond, concert pianist, have been chosen as AMEB Online Orchestra Ambassadors. They will also join in on the fun and submit clips of themselves playing Waltzing Matilda.

“One of the great things about music is its power to bring people together,” Northey tells Limelight. “Whilst learning an instrument is often a solitary activity, the idea of bringing people together through a large scale virtual orchestra is very exciting and inspiring.”

“Music is as natural to human beings as breathing,” he says. “People are at their best when they are creating and working in harmony with each other. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a professional musician, we all have a deep connection with music.”

For those hesitant about taking the plunge and submitting their application, Northey says “Go for it! These opportunities don’t come along very often so set aside some time and join in! It doesn’t matter what level you are, this project is about being a small part of something very special.”

Submissions for the Online Orchestra are open now and close July 14. Apply here

The winner of Limelight’s Australian Artist of the Year: People’s Choice, conductor Benjamin Northey reflects on a busy year, the potential of film music concerts, and issues a call to arms on arts funding.